Invisible Ink

Chapter Three

“Tomorrow, okay? It’s Friday, you can’t possibly have anything better to do.”

“I guess. Didn’t have anythin’ planned...”

“Great!” Zack said, patting Cid’s shoulder. “You’ll love this place. Everyone says it’s haunted. Creepiest building in the county.”

Cid looked faintly skeptical. “In the county? Kinda doubt that. But...” he shrugged, nodding. “Guess it can’t hurt to check it out.”

“You’ll have fun, man.” Zack sipped from his mug of cocoa, licking whipped cream from his lip. “Maybe we’ll even get to see a ghost!”

“Right. Sure.” Rolling his eyes, Cid gave his roommate a flat look. He liked haunted houses and the whole idea that there might be a ghost, but he always considered it to be bad luck if someone said they might see one ahead of time.

Zack moved to sit on the couch. “Wanna watch a movie or something? I’m bored.”

“I guess. Have somethin’ in mind?” Cid glanced toward the DVD player and the stack of movies next to it.

“Nope!” Zack said cheerily. “You can pick.”

“Me? Why me?”

“‘Cause I’ve seen everything up there.”

Cid groaned. “I hate pickin’ stuff. You do it.”

“No, you do it. I’m already sitting anyway, and you’re up. Just grab one at random.”

“Fine, whatever.” Kneeling down, he dug through the stack. He wasn’t sure what was good and what wasn’t, but he figured that if Zack had it then he at least thought it was good.

Zack was busy sticking his finger in his cocoa and stirring it around before licking his finger and repeating the process, humming some unknown song as he did so. Glancing back at the sound of humming, Cid shook his head. How did he end up in such a messed up place? Letting out a sigh, he did what Zack had said to do and pulled out a random movie, popping it into the player. “There. I picked one.”

“Awesome,” Zack said, scooting over on the couch and patting the spot next to him. “Now sit.”

Sighing again, this time it sounded more like a huff, Cid flopped down next to Zack. “If ya don’t like it then ya can turn it over to the movie station or somethin’.”

The title screen came up and Zack laughed excitedly. “This is a great one!” Without seeming to realize it, he scooted over towards Cid, leaning against him comfortably.

Cid was a little surprised by how close Zack suddenly was. “Uh, Zack? What’re ya doin’?” he asked, leaning away a little.

Zack looked at him questioningly. “Hmm?”

“You’re, uh... kinda close.” He wasn’t sure if he was that comfortable with Zack yet. “There a reason?”

Zack blinked like he didn’t know what was going on. He looked down at the space between them and moved away again. “Oh. Uh... I tend to get cuddly at movie time. Sorry, didn’t realize it.”

Nodding a bit for no reason, Cid glanced away. “‘S okay. Just... I’m not really that cuddly,” he said quickly. He wasn’t sure he wanted Zack upset with him because he thought it was a little too weird for them to be that close.

Zack shrugged. “That’s fine. Just feel free to push me away if I get to close.” He chuckled a little. “I usually don’t realize I’m doing it.”

Nodding again, Cid turned his attention back to the movie. He generally was fairly open to cuddling, just not with the same sex. But he wasn’t about to tell Zack that and get accusations of homophobia flying again.

Zack finished his cocoa about halfway through the film, and set his mug down on the floor in front of the couch. “Like it so far?”

“‘S okay, I guess. ‘M not really into this kinda thing though,” he said quietly, still more on edge about the closeness than disliking the movie.

“You don’t like comedy?”

Cid tipped his head in a shrug. “Depends on the type, I guess. More into action an’ horror, really.” He smirked. “Easier to get a girl in a horror movie than a comedy,” he said before biting his tongue. “Oh. Uh... sorry.”

“Oh I know how that goes,” Zack said, smirking. “That’s how Reno got me.”

Cid stared at him for a moment, contemplating saying, “I didn’t need to know that,” but he decided not to say it. He just switched his gaze back to the TV before he said something stupid. Zack happily went back to the movie, leaning back against the couch. Resting his cheek on his palm, Cid let out a breath. At least Zack didn’t seem angry about his ignoring the comment. He was betting that the last thing he wanted was Zack mad at him.

When the movie ended, Zack had his head on a pillow and was dozing lightly, his legs stretched out enough for him to tuck his toes under Cid’s leg to keep them warm. Cid wanted to move and go to do something else, but he also didn’t want to wake Zack. He wasn’t all that keen to becoming a foot warmer but he decided it was better than becoming the substitute snuggler when Reno wasn’t around. Zack just mumbled something about bananas and kumquats, but otherwise stayed as he was, snoring softly.

Bananas and kumquats? Cid shook his head. He had to have the most out-there roommate ever, that he was sure of. Still shaking his head, he rested it down more, contemplating borrowing Zack’s idea. He was starting to wonder if maybe the boy’s moods were contagious.

Zack snorted a little, rolling so his face was mostly pressed into the pillow. “Baking a fruitcake...” he mumbled.

Wondering what Zack meant by that, Cid almost laughed. But it was overtaken by a yawn and he was fully convinced that he had caught Zack’s tiredness. Pretty much giving himself up to sleep, he rested his head on his folded arms, falling into a shallow sleep that was unbelievably unbroken by the occasional twitching of Zack’s toes.

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Early the next morning, Zack woke to a bright beam of sunlight shining directly on his face. He pried his eyes open enough to glance at the clock over the TV, and groaned. Seven in the morning was not his best hour. He looked around, and noticed Cid still sleeping half hanging off of the couch at the other end. Without really thinking about it—later he would blame it on his sleep-clouded mind—he turned around and laid down next to Cid, cuddling up to his warmth and immediately drifting back to sleep.

A few hours later, Cid found himself struggling to wake. He groaned and stretched himself out, letting his arm flop back down over the body tucked close against him. He curled closer to the warmth, not even really thinking about who it might be. He was still too much asleep to worry about who he might be sleeping with.

Zack, being the heavy sleeper he was, and used to sleeping with someone who moved around a lot, didn’t budge. He just snuggled closer when Cid settled again and mumbled something about condoms and apple pie.

Cid frowned at the voice, not sure he had heard right. But when he forced his eyes and mind to work, he was a little more than surprised. He certainly hadn’t expected to wake up next to Zack, let alone cuddling him. “Zack. Wake up.”

“Mm, five more minutes, Reno...” Zack mumbled, burying his face a little more into Cid’s chest.

Stiffening at the movement, Cid raced through his mind to find a way out of the position he was in. He wasn’t all that sure he wanted to be snuggled next to a guy he had just met, an openly gay guy at that, and he definitely didn’t want Zack to start thinking he was Reno. “Zack, get up,” he muttered, shoving at the other’s shoulder gently. The younger man just whined again, throwing a leg over Cid’s thighs and settling down again.

“Zack, get off,” Cid hissed, shoving more. He didn’t like the way things were going.

Zack snorted as he was pushed, blinking his eyes open. “Wha... Hi, Cid.”

Yet Cid had no friendly hellos, just pushed again. “I’d appreciate it if you’d get offa me. ‘M not a pillow, ya know.”

Zack rubbed his eyes sleepily, rolling over as he did so... and yelping as he rolled right off the couch and thudded to the floor. “Owww...”

Cid leaned over the edge of the couch, watching him. “Ya knew that was bound to happen. Why’d ya even lie down there in the first place?”

The younger man sat up, rubbing his head where he had bumped it. “I don’t know how I got there. When I went to sleep I was on the other side.”

Rolling his eyes rather incredulously, Cid rested back on the couch. “Sure. Guess next you’re gonna tell me ya sleepwalk.”

Zack blinked, thinking. “I have before. It would be nothing new.” He stood up and stretched. “I fell asleep in my bed once and woke up in the bathtub.”

Cid gaped. “An’ ya didn’t drown? How the hell’d ya manage that?”

Zack laughed. “There was no water in it. I was still in my pajamas, just chilling in the tub.”

“Oh.” But still... Cid shook his head. Zack had to be messed up in the mind somewhere to sleepwalk into his bathtub.

“Then there was the time I woke up cooking breakfast. That was an interesting night.”

“Ya didn’t have the stove on, did ya?” Cid inquired, afraid he already knew the answer. It was amazing wherever he had lived then hadn’t burned down.

Zack nodded. “Yeah. I had a stack of pancakes and a pile of scrambled eggs, and I didn’t even remember cooking them.”

“Uh huh.” Cid just stood and made his way into the kitchen, stopping at the stove to make sure it was off. Satisfied, he moved to his room and thumped down on his bed. “Just don’t burn this place down, got it?” he called.

Zack chuckled. “I’m not that bad of a cook!” He glanced at the clock, his stomach reminding him that he should use those cooking skills. Moving into the kitchen, he called back over his shoulder, “Want some food, man?”

“Depends on what you’re makin’,” Cid replied, tugging off his shirt and searching for a clean one. He wasn’t all that sure he trusted Zack with food yet, but it was worth a shot if he knew he wasn’t going to die of some massive food poisoning attack.

Zack shrugged, even though Cid couldn’t see it. “What do you want?”

Moving out of his room, Cid ran a hand through his hair. “Dunno. What can ya make?” he asked, turning his shirt inside out and shaking it.

Zack turned around, about to say something, but grinned instead. “Nice abs, buddy.”

Cid grimaced. “Thanks,” he said flatly, pulling on his shirt rather quickly.

Zack chuckled. “I can make whatever you want.”

“How ‘bout blueberry pancakes?” Cid asked, straightening his shirt the best he could. “With real blueberries,” he added.

Zack grinned. “Comin’ right up.”

Pulling out a chair at the kitchen table, Cid settled into one and leaned it back a bit. “Really?” He had been wondering if Zack had gotten a chance to look through everything in the fridge. Apparently he had. Otherwise how would he have known there was a box of the little berries in the back of the fridge?

Zack hummed to himself as he went around the kitchen gathering things he would need. Cid watched as the younger boy pulled out the different ingredients, almost amazed that Zack already knew where everything was. He knew it was rather cliché according to his little lesson with Zack the other night, but he had already figured Zack knew how to cook, being gay and all.

“My mom taught me to make pancakes from scratch... among other things.” Zack said as he started mixing.

“Your mom?” Cid raised a brow, wondering if he should dare ask another thing about cooking. It somehow slipped out anyway. “So it’s not like some inner instinct when you’re gay? Ya know, knowin’ how to cook?”

Zack turned to look at him before bursting into laughter... again. “Dude, where do you learn this shit?”

“Home,” he mumbled lowly. “Just one of those things we always hear. Not really all that open-minded around there, if ya get what I mean.”

“Ah, one of those places. Church-goers and the like.” He flipped the pancake he was working on, starting to make another.

“Ya could say that.” Cid leaned his chair back more, crossing his arms behind his head. “Ya just wanna make sure ya don’t go there. People who aren’t really gay but accused of it have been kinda... run outta town before. I can just imagine what’d happen to someone like you.”

“So what’s your view on it then?” Zack asked casually, filling a plate with pancakes and handing it to Cid.

Setting the plate down, Cid looked back. “Whaddya mean?”

“What’s your opinion of homosexuality?”

The blond had to think on that. “Dunno. Just always heard it was wrong an’ all that shit.” He glanced away.

Zack started another batch of pancakes. “Why?”

Cid shrugged, poking at his pancakes a little with his fork. “Ya know... all that shit about men are ‘sposed to be with women an’ not each other. That kinda thing.”

“Yeah I know,” Zack said as he flipped another pancake. “But why?”

“Look, don’t ask me. That’s just what I was taught. Men ain’t ‘sposed to be with men. If ya wanna know why then go ask yourself.”

“But the point of asking you is wanting to know what you think.”

Cid growled with frustration. He didn’t like discussing his personal views with people. “I don’t know, okay? I dunno what I think about it. I’ve been taught all my life it ain’t right an’ then you come along an’ tell me you’re hardly different than me. An’ ya know, waking up with ya cuddlin’ next to me didn’t help all that much.” He crossed his arms, hoping Zack would drop the subject soon.

Zack pointed his spatula at him. “That wasn’t my fault.”

“Then whose was it? I didn’t tell ya to do it.”

Zack shrugged. “It just happened. I have weird sleeping habits.”

“Right.” Cid turned back to the plate in front of him. He took a careful bite, not sure if he was suspicious or just not all that hungry.

Zack turned off the stove and set his own plate down on the other side of the island-counter, leaning over it to eat. “Taste okay?”

Cid nodded, taking another bite. He had to admit, Zack knew his way around a kitchen.

Zack grinned. “Good.”

Cid finished the rest without saying a word, not all that keen on the idea of starting up another opinion questionnaire again. Swallowing down the last bite, he leaned back and placed the plate in the sink, wiping his hands on his pants afterwards. “So, about this place ya wanted to go today...”

“Oh yeah! That haunted mansion. Dude it’s pretty creepy.”

“Really?” Cid crossed his arms on the table. “So how far is this place exactly?”

“Not far. Maybe a 10 or 15 minute walk.”

Stretching out his back against the chair, Cid inclined his head toward the door. “Any particular time ya wanna go?”

Zack shook his head. “Whenever.”

“Gimme some sort of idea. Not like I have anythin’ to do for a while, but I’d like to know.” Standing, Cid moved back toward his room again.

Zack checked the clock again. “Hm... it’s 1:30 now. We’ll need to go closer to dark if we want to see the Prince... let’s go around 8ish?”

Cid raised a curious brow. “The Prince? Who’s that?”

“The ghost that’s supposed to live there.”

“It has a name?” Cid thought that was a little strange. “You ever seen it?”

“Yeah. It’s really creepy. They say that a hundred years ago, there was a really wealthy man who lived there and had a son. One day the guy went nuts, and killed his son and then himself. People still see the son wandering around the house, say he’s really handsome and stuff, but always looks so sad. They call him the Prince because his father was so rich. I’ve seen him before. He’s really pale and has this long black hair... It’s so creepy.”

“Uh huh.” Cid passed by the whole legend. It sounded like the little fairy tale legends that the kids back home used to make up for the caves, hollows and abandoned houses scattered around the town. “So around 8?”

“Yep. Right around sunset.”

Cid nodded. “I’ll be in my room if ya need me then,” he said, passing through the door to flop on his bed. He was thinking of taking a nap that wouldn’t kill his back, but wasn’t about to mention that. One time of waking up with Zack was enough for him for a while.

Zack started humming again as he cleaned up after them. To kill his boredom and his energy, he decided to go out for a while. “Hey Cid,” he said, pushing the other man’s door open a little. “I’m going to Reno’s for a bit. I’ll be back before eight.”

“Yeah, ‘kay,” Cid called from his bed where he had pulled a magazine out to read. He flipped through a few pages, stopping on one. “Have fun,” he said almost jokingly.

Zack grinned and winked. “Oh I will. I’ll come tell you allllll about it too.”

Narrowing his eyes, Cid chucked the first pillow in reach at the grinning face. “Get outta here, Zack.”

Zack blocked the attack, laughing. “All right, all right. See you later.” With that, he left Cid in the quiet apartment.

Hearing the door close, Cid let himself slump back down to the bed. He felt a little bad for being somewhat of a jerk about the whole thoughts on homosexuality, but he wasn’t sure that Zack wanted to hear that he wasn’t really comfortable with it. At least, he figured Zack wouldn’t want to hear that based on their first encounter and the almost pouting look he had received.

Sighing, he rolled over onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He knew he would eventually have to get used to Zack and the fact he liked men, but it would take quite a while. And he wasn’t sure he wanted that while to come just yet.

Shaking his head a bit, he settled it down on his folded arms. Zack would be back around 6 so that left him with plenty of time to catch up on the half-sleep he missed last night. The idea making itself very appealing, he let his eyes slip closed.

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A while later, Zack returned, setting his things down before going to Cid’s door and knocking. However, Cid didn’t hear the knock. He was still sound asleep, his head buried under one of his pillows.

Zack pushed the door open a little. “Cid?”

The blond mumbled something and tucked his arms under his chest, but remained asleep.

Zack chuckled and moved into the room, leaning over Cid. “Ciiiiiid...” he called.

Cid groaned, rolling over and letting his arms sprawl out over the bed. He knew he had to wake up for some reason, but he just didn’t want to. Zack grinned. It was Cid’s own fault he had left himself so wide open, and Zack was going to take advantage of the situation. He leaned over the blond a little more, and reached out his hands suddenly, tickling the exposed underarms and giggling wildly.

Cid leapt up with a yelp, covering himself the best he could at the moment. Curling over to protect his stomach and arms, he sleepily glared up at the dark-haired boy. “What the hell was that all about?” he hissed, preferring other wakeup calls than that.


Zack laughed. “Your fault. I called like three times, and you didn’t wake up.”

Cid just kept glaring, still not completely awake. “Yeah, well, pick a different way next time. Hate bein’ tickled,” he grumbled, curling over a little more.

“Wake up on the first call next time. Then I won’t have to tickle you.”

“Fine. If I hear ya.” Rubbing a hand over his face, Cid flopped back down. “Back kinda early, ain’t ya?”

Zack chuckled. “No, it’s 8:04,” he said, pointing at Cid’s alarm clock.

Cid narrowed his eyes, trying to focus on the blurry clock. “Shit. Didn’t mean to sleep that long.”

Zack shrugged, grinning. “Well, I wanna go see a haunted house, so get up and get ready.”

Yawning, Cid nodded his head. “Yeah, yeah, I’m gettin’ ready.”

“I’ll be in the kitchen.”

Groaning a little, Cid forced himself up and slowly tugged on his shoes. He wasn’t sure if this little trip would be as worthwhile as Zack kept making it sound, but he supposed he could take a look.

Zack was tapping his fingers against his leg as he leaned by the doorway when Cid emerged. “Ready?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m ready. Ya in a big hurry or somethin’? I think if a ghost’s been hangin’ around some house for years then he’s not gonna take off in a few minutes.” Cid kicked the toe of his shoe of the floor, making sure he had his wallet and phone. He certainly didn’t know where Zack would take him and whether it would require a strong drink afterwards.

“I know, but I’m excited!” Zack said as he tugged Cid to the door. “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”

“Jeez, hang on a sec!” Cid managed to pull his arm free and follow at his own pace. “I can walk, myself, ya know,” he said, unable to keep a little smile off of his face. He might still be unsure about Zack and the whole living arrangement, but it was hard not to laugh when he acted like a kid going to the candy shop.

Zack bounced up and down a few times. “This is gonna be so awesome, dude.”

Cid laughed a little. “Why’re ya so excited? It’s just a haunted house, right?”

“Well, yeah! That’s exciting enough in itself! The Prince is so pretty, dude.”

Cid laughed again, louder this time. “Ya really are gay, ain’t ya?” he said, shaking his head.

“One hundred percent!”

Another laugh broke through. “Proud of it too.” Shaking his head more, Cid made himself stop laughing. “So where is this place?”

Zack pointed. “That way!” He said, and started off at a jog.

“Hey, wait up!” Cid followed, catching up. “Tryin’ to lose me or somethin’?”

Zack laughed. “Sorry... a little hyper.”

“I’ll say.” He glanced up, catching sight of an old house towering above the treetops. “That it?” he ventured as a guess.

“Yep. Ominous, huh?”

Cid nodded slightly. “Kinda. So... are we actually goin’ in?”

Zack rolled his eyes. “Duh. That place is huge. Can’t find a hot Prince if you just stand outside and stare.”

Cid just rolled his eyes in return. Only Zack would be so focused on finding a ‘hot Prince.’ “So how do we get in then?”

Zack shrugged, glancing at his watch discreetly. “I hear the doors are always unlocked.”

“Okay. So I kinda doubt we wanna go in through the front door. I mean, this isn’t exactly a quiet neighborhood from the looks of things an’ someone’s bound to notice if we just waltz in through the front, ya know?” Cid took another look at the house, watching as a loose shudder moved in the faint wind.

Zack nodded. “You’re right. Should probably go in through the back or something.” When they were near enough, Zack hopped the fence, landing himself right in a surprisingly healthy rosebush. “Ow! Fucking thorns...”

Cid laughed as he watched the other floundering to free himself from the bush. “There’s a gate right there, ya know,” he said, nudging it open with his shoe. “Woulda saved ya a lot of trouble.”

“Yeah, well...” Zack started, picking thorns from his clothes. “I wanted to look cool or something.”

“Right. ‘Cause havin’ a bunch of half-dead rose petals in your hair is cool.” Trying not to smirk, Cid reached out and pulled a few from the black locks.

“Oh, fuck you,” Zack said through a laugh, waving Cid’s hand away. “You know you thought it was awesome.”

“Yeah, I was so amazed. I thought ya were the coolest thing ev-ar!” Cid tossed the petals to the ground, cutting off the laugh that was threatening to escape. “Want me to adore ya like a droolin’ teenage girl now?”

Zack grinned widely. “I wouldn’t protest. Though Reno might get jealous.”

Cid shook his head, turning away before Zack could see him muffling a laugh. “Okay, so now what?” he asked.

Zack was picking the last petal from his hair. “We find a way in.”

Pushing himself up onto his tiptoes, Cid peered in one of the windows. “Dark in there. Kinda dusty lookin’.”

“Well yeah... no one’s lived here for years.” Zack glanced at Cid, hoping he didn’t seem suspicious. Luckily, the blond was paying more attention to the house.

Cid tried to get to a window to get a better look, but it was useless. They were too high off the ground. Stepping back, he turned the corner and almost stumbled into the large porch that took up most of the back end of the house. “Might be a way over here.”

Zack peered around Cid. “Hey, yeah. I think I see a door.”

“Pretty fancy. Least it used to be,” Cid mumbled as he experimentally pushed the glass door open. To his surprise, it swung open fairly easily. “Weird... it doesn’t smell like it’s been all shut up for years.”

Zack came up beside him. “Hmm, yeah. Weird. Oh well, let’s go in.” He slid past Cid into the dimly lit room and giggled. “Maybe the ghost likes to dust.”

“Right. I’m sure ghosts dust.” Cid gave a little laugh at the idea as well. Maybe this ghost got bored sometimes.

They chose a random hallway and started down it, looking at things and trying to stay quiet. “Hey, check this out. Another door,” Zack said as he gave the thing a gentle push. It opened easily, but not without a protesting creak. Zack flinched as it echoed through both the hall and the room.

Cid peeked in over Zack’s shoulder. “What is it?” he asked, trying to keep his voice low.

Zack walked in slowly. “There’s a piano... looks pretty beat up.”

Following, Cid rounded the instrument until he came to the other side. “Think it plays?” he asked as he pressed down on a key. A loud, crisp tone came out and he jumped back, not all that eager to touch it again. “It’s loud,” he said, listening to the echo.

“Pianos usually are,” Zack said, chuckling.

“Yeah, but still...” He stopped, listening. “Think anyone heard it?”

“I dunno. Maybe we’ll find out,” Zack said with a grin.

“Yeah, well, if we get busted, it was your idea.” Cid carefully made his way to the door, peeking out into the hallway again.

Zack brushed it off. “We won’t get busted, Cid. Come on, let’s find some more stuff.”

“There could be someone else snoopin’ around like us.” Cid followed, pushing ahead once they reached the main hallway. “Let’s go that way, he said, pushing his shoulder against a heavy wooden door. “Help me out here.”

Zack approached him and leaned into the door. Together they pushed it open with a great sliding sound. “Shit, that was loud too,” Zack mumbled, his eyes traveling the new room to see if anyone was coming.

Cid felt a little uneasy now. He didn’t like the idea of sneaking around and making as much noise as they were. “Relax, Zack. There’s no one here, remember?” he said with a little laugh, stepping into the main hall.

“Yeah, there’s no one...” Zack trailed off, his eyes widening slowly. “Cid... did you hear that?”

“Hear what?”

Zack listened again, feeling a laugh bubbling in his stomach but knowing the need to keep a straight face. The only recognizable sound was the creaking of an old mansion. “Nothing. Paranoid, I guess.”

“Now don’t you start gettin’ all paranoid.” Cid glanced around, catching sight of a staircase above them. “Holy... big enough?”

“Yeah. Imagine what this looked like when it was new.”

“Yeah...” Cid let his gaze wander up the staircase, catching sight of a few more doors. “Know what’s up there?”

Zack followed with his eyes, keeping his poker face. “No clue.”

“Thought you’d been in here before,” the blond asked as he started up the stairs.

“We, uh… didn’t go upstairs.”

“Oh.” Cid lifted his hand from where he had been dragging it along the railing. “Not really dusty in here.”

“Yeah,” Zack said, touching the banister as well. He moved up a little further, getting to the landing before the second staircase.

Cid kept going, finally reaching the top. He took a quick glance back over the main foyer and shook his head. Who would have needed a house this big? Ignoring his own question, he pushed open the first door he saw. “Plants?”

Zack peeked around him. “...Living plants.” He suddenly grinned. “This place gets creepier and creepier, huh?”

“Yeah. Maybe someone’s actually living here?” Cid immediately dismissed the idea. “Who’s crazy enough to live here?”

“I dunno,” Zack murmured as he pushed open another door. “There’s a giant safe in here. I wonder what’s in it.”

“Weird.” Cid moved to the room and stepped up to it, knocking on it for a moment. A hollow sound echoed back. “Doesn’t sound like much is in it.”

“Hmm. Wonder if we could crack the code.”

“Dunno.”

Zack tried the dial, putting his ear close to listen to the ticks. This was too much fun. “Hmm… Can’t hear anything. Maybe it’s broken.”

“Really doubt there’s anythin’ in there anyway.” Turning, Cid looked over the rest of the room. Like the others, it wasn’t very dusty save for a thin layer that seemed recent. “This really is weird, ya know.”

“Yup!” Zack said as he stood. “Let’s see what’s on the other side of the staircase.”

“‘Kay.” Cid followed as silently as he could, not wanting to call any more attention to them than they already had. If there was something to catch the attention of, anyway.

Zack crept back out into the front hall, past the staircase and into the other wing of the mansion. Cid thought it was a little strange that Zack seemed to know his way around so well, but didn’t think of it much. Eyes darting over the silent hallway, he hurried to catch up. Any other time, he would have found it funny for a 32 year-old man to be running around like a spooked kid, but right now he had other things on his mind. Like not getting killed in some B-movie type ending.

Zack followed the hallway until it looked like it would end. “There’s a room over there. We should see what’s in it.”

“Sure…” Catching up, Cid peered into the room. “Can ya see anythin’? Looks too dark to me.”

“Hmm…” Zack said, trying a light switch. “The lights work.”

“I’m seriously startin’ to doubt this whole ghost thing an’ startin’ to think it’s more likely just someone who does upkeep. Might be why no one ever sees ‘em around that much.” Shrugging, Cid flicked the light switch a few times. “Still don’t wanna be here if they drop by though.”

Zack walked further into the room. “Hey, what do you wanna bet this is one of those places with some secret hidden hallway or something?”

“I’m not bettin’ ya anythin’ ‘cause it probably is.” Running his finger along the nearest tabletop, Cid once again came up with the thin layer of dust.

“I’m kinda disappointed that there’s no ghost,” Zack said as he poked around the room, not giving the real reason for his disappointment.

“Yeah…” Cid wasn’t so sure. He was pretty positive that any ghost living in this house was bound to be the unfriendly kind and he honestly wanted no part in that.

Zack shrugged. “Oh well. Wanna see if there’s anything else downstairs? We skipped a whole wing down there.”

“Sure.” Cid was already heading toward the hallway. He wasn’t exactly scared, but he was a little disturbed by the state of the house. It was too clean for it to be abandoned.

Zack followed him, still looking around. They descended the staircase slowly, wary of creaks and groans from the old wood. When they got to the bottom, Zack led the way, trying to find a way through to the back hallway by the large window where they had come in. He slipped through the heavy door they had opened together and hung a right. “Must be the kitchen area,” he said, walking a little too confidently.

“Looks like it.” Curiosity tickling him, Cid pulled open one of the cabinets near him. He expected it to be empty, but there were some boxed items and scattered cans. “Guess someone at least eats here sometimes.”

“Creeeeeepyyyyyy…” Zack sing-songed. “Hey, there’s another door back here.” He moved to it, and opened it up. “Looks like some kind of pantry. Dude… it’s full of food.”

Moving to Zack’s side, Cid peeked into the pantry. “Damn. Maybe there’s some hermit or somethin’. Ya know, like those guys who go up in the mountains an’ live away from other people.”

Zack laughed. “Then why would he have a mansion full of food? He’d live in some shack or something…”

“Maybe he couldn’t get to the mountains. Or he doesn’t like the cold.” Cid reached in and pulled out a box, almost smirking. “I think Mr. Hermit likes corn flakes.”

Zack laughed again. “Mr. Hermit. That’s awesome.”

Suddenly he jumped. A thud echoed through the empty mansion, sounding like a large door closing. Cid dropped the box, corn flakes spilling over the floor. “What was that?” he whispered, his eyes darting to the kitchen door.

“You heard it too?” Zack said, grinning a little as he looked toward the doorway. A rhythmic tapping noise sounded, identical to the pattern of footsteps.

Cid nodded, whispering almost too low to hear. “Hear that too.”

Zack looked around for another exit, but there was only one door and the footsteps were getting louder. “Shit, dude!” he whispered harshly, feeling nervous excitement in his gut. This was going to be great.

“Whaddya think we should do?” The only thing Cid could think of was hide in the pantry, but he wasn’t sure there was enough room for both of them. Besides, it wasn’t the best hiding spot in the world.

“I dunno.” Zack looked around them. “Damnit, we have nowhere to go.”

The footsteps stopped just outside the kitchen, it sounded like, and changed courses heading straight for the pantry. Zack’s heart was beating a mile a minute as he hid behind Cid, fighting hard not to laugh. “It’s the Prince! He’s really here!”

Cid tipped his head to the side but his eyes never left the door. “Get a hold of yourself, Zack…”

The footsteps stopped again, sounding like they had only a few feet left before their owner could look into the pantry. Cid turned and faced Zack then, gripping his shoulders hard. “Stop it,” he hissed back, shaking him a little to get him to stop bouncing around.

Zack shut up, but it didn’t stop him from shaking a little with bottled up laughter. His eyes suddenly widened as a figure appeared in the doorway.

“…Might I ask what you’re doing in my home?”

Cid was sure they were going to die then. Of all the people who could have walked through that door, it had to be him. He turned slowly, almost afraid to say anything. Now he wished it had been a ghost.

Vincent stood there calmly, eyebrow raised. “Do explain yourselves.”

Cid’s mouth felt dry. What was he supposed to do? Turning to Zack, he gave him a rather helpless look. But Zack was just grinning at Vincent.

“Again, Zack?”

Zack grinned more. “I had to.”

Cid seemed to not hear their conversation, too focused on trying to think up an excuse. He shook his head and squeezed out the only word he could think of: “Sorry…”

Vincent looked at Cid, deciding to play along with Zack’s joke. “Sorry? You’re sorry you broke into my house?”

“I, uh… the door was open!” Cid yelped, trying to come up with some sort of defense.

“You shouldn’t be here in the first place. This is trespassing.”

“Sorry!” Cid whirled around to Zack before once more facing the professor. “Really!”

Zack leaned on the doorway to the pantry. “He wanted to see the Prince.”

Vincent rolled his eyes. “Oh not that phony story again, Zack.” He turned to Cid again. “There is no prince. People just see me walking in my windows and assume it’s a ghost. It’s completely ridiculous.”

Cid felt extremely relieved, but realized they were still caught. “So, uh… we’re sorry for that…”

Vincent sighed and moved aside. “Come out of there. You’re not the first one Zack has gotten to try this.”

Cid whirled around to face Zack. “You knew?” he asked, mouth agape.

Zack laughed. “You couldn’t tell? Damn, you’re dense sometimes.”

Cid punched him in the shoulder. “‘M not dense,” he mumbled.

Vincent cleared his throat, looking at both of them. Silently doing as they had been told, Cid moved out of the pantry and stood to the side and out of the way. He didn’t need Vincent thinking he was that gullible. He hadn’t figured out yet if the young professor was someone to take outside activities into account and decide to fail someone for breaking into his house, even if it was a prank.

Zack sneaked out too. Vincent looked at him, folding his arms. “Zack…”

The younger man held up his hands, grinning. “This is the last time, I promise.”

The blond stood by, still feeling ridiculous for ever going along with this whole idea.

Vincent sighed. “There’s no use lecturing you. There’s also no satisfaction in kicking you out.”

“So what’re ya gonna do?” Cid asked. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to the idea of jail.

Vincent pinched the bridge of his nose and asked a question no one expected to hear. “Have you eaten dinner yet?”

“What?” Cid looked up a little too quickly, the top of his head hitting the underside of a low cabinet. He hissed out a soft curse before remembering what was going on and when back to staring at Vincent. “Dinner?”

“Yes, dinner.”

Cid frowned a little. “Are ya sure you’re thinkin’ straight? You’re ‘sposed to be kickin’ us out an’ callin’ the cops, not invitin’ us to dinner.”

“I already said that kicking you out wouldn’t bring me any satisfaction, and dealing with the police is too much hassle. It’s not like I caught you stealing, and I know who you are. Besides,” he added, looking a little amused. “Zack does this all the time.”

Cid looked at him suspiciously. “So you’re gonna feed us…”

Vincent nodded.

Cid’s suspicious look intensified. “You’re not gonna like… poison us or anythin’ are ya?”

Vincent rolled his eyes, wanting to laugh but containing it. “This isn’t ‘Hansel and Gretel’.”

Cid crossed his arms, huffing lightly at the mention of the fairytale. He wouldn’t be all that surprised if Vincent was going to do something like in the story. He did look skinny enough despite all the food in the house. Maybe he just kept that to fatten up his guests to eat them later in his creepy little basement. After all, these places always had those creepy little basements…

Zack kept his gaze on the older man a moment longer before shrugging and grinning. “Okay. I could go for some food.”

But Cid still wasn’t very sure. He had already had enough of Vincent outside of class, at least in his opinion. And he certainly didn’t need Zack making any comments about any staring that might accidentally happen if they were to stay. “I… dunno. We’re kinda intrudin’, ya know.”

“I realize that,” Vincent said. “It’s rather obvious. But even so, the invitation still stands.” The tone of his voice was different somehow, tinted with a little bit of what sounded like… hope.

The sound of it startled Cid a little. He had to be imagining things when he started thinking that Vincent sounded almost lonely. “I guess if it’s no problem…” He stared at the floor, not really liking the situation they were in at the moment.

“I wouldn’t have offered if it was. I was about to start cooking anyway.”

Zack was all too excited. “Awesome. What are we having?”

Vincent shrugged a little, an action that somehow looked all wrong coming from him. “I hadn’t gotten that far yet, hence the reason for coming back here.”

Glancing up at the shrug, Cid let out another little huff. It wasn’t so bad spending time with Vincent, but he preferred to do it in class where he was a comfortable distance away and wouldn’t get so captivated even though his doing so was somewhat stupid. He didn’t like men, not even ones that looked like women.

Vincent silently slipped past them into the pantry to look things over. He chose a few ingredients and supplies, and started moving back into the kitchen. “You can come and sit,” he said, almost as an afterthought as he passed them.

Cid suddenly realized his gaze had fallen on Vincent’s backside and he quickly redirected it to Zack’s face. “So I guess we’re really staying?”

Zack held back his snicker as he noticed the direction Cid’s eyes had taken. “I don’t see why not,” he said casually.

Cid gave a slight sound of disapproval, but started into the next room anyway. He chose a seat that didn’t look like one Vincent would favor and plopped himself into it, propping his chin on his fist.

Zack sat next to him, elbowing him slightly less than gently and leaning to whisper. “You could be a little more grateful you know. We should be sitting in the back of a cop car right now, but instead we’re getting dinner with a gorgeous guy.”

“I’m startin’ to think I’d prefer the first choice,” Cid muttered darkly, pushing Zack’s arm away. “An’ he’s not gorgeous so get over yourself.”

“Who’s saying I’m not over myself? I’m just looking at him.” Zack grinned and sat back, turning his head to watch Vincent cook. Vincent was ignoring them.

“Yeah, well, he’s still not gorgeous. Just girly.” Stuffing his hand against his mouth, Cid refused to look toward Vincent. He didn’t want to be there and he was intent on showing his displeasure any way possible.

Zack gave him a flat look. “Alright, fine. Don’t enjoy yourself. But don’t be rude either.”

Cid sent him a rather cold glare in return. From what he knew of Zack so far, he figured this night would be primarily composed of passes at the professor and all sorts of… Zackish things. He just hoped that the youth didn’t try and point out any of Vincent’s boogers for him.

It didn’t take long for Vincent to finish cooking. He set a heaping plate of food before each of his guests before sitting down at the opposite end of the table. “Enjoy.”

Zack dug right in, always happy to have something edible. “This is awesome! Who knew you’d be such a good cook?” he asked with his mouth full, a knowing look in his eyes.

“I suppose that’s a compliment,” Vincent replied, taking small, slow bites.

Cid stayed silent, not wanting any more attention than he had at the moment. Instead he simply started eating, his eyes locked on the top edge of his plate. But he had to admit… Vincent was a very good cook.

The meal went by mostly in silence, which sat just fine with Vincent. Zack, on the other hand, was not too pleased.

“So, read any good books lately?”

Vincent raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh, right,” Zack said, chuckling a little. “Lit professor… of course you’ve read some good books.”

Cid could only roll his eyes. “What happened to your memory, Zack? The ‘ghost’ scare it away?” he mumbled, not meaning for it to be heard.

“Hey, at least I’m trying for some conversation. I think at this rate a ghost would be more entertaining than you two.”

“Anythin’s more entertainin’ than me, Zack, remember?” Cid took another mouthful of food. He figured that might keep Zack quiet a little longer before he said something really out of bounds.

“I find that hard to believe,” Vincent said after a few moments.

A blue gaze flew to Vincent’s face, eyes wide. “What’s that ‘sposed to mean?” Cid asked softly, slightly confused.

“There’s no person on the planet that’s completely unentertaining,” Vincent said as he set his fork down. He turned his wine-colored eyes to Cid. “You would be a zombie, and I don’t believe in zombies, so there must be something entertaining about you.”

Shooting his gaze down again, Cid shook his head. “Really doubt that. Good luck findin’ whatever it is.”

Zack grinned and patted Cid’s shoulder. “He’s playing. You’re a giant ball of fun, right buddy?”

A corner of Vincent’s mouth pulled up a little at the camaraderie between them. Cid abruptly shrugged Zack’s hand off of him, giving him a slightly piercing look. “Yeah, sure. Big ball of fun.”

“He’s in denial,” Zack whispered pointedly at Vincent, not caring that Cid could hear him too. What Cid couldn’t see was Zack’s wink in Vincent’s direction. Vincent’s little smile grew slightly.

The glare intensified and Cid turned back to his dinner. He wasn’t up for having some stupid battle with Zack about how fun he was in front of his professor. That was just dumb. Zack’s chatter dwindled at that point as he finished his food, hating to let anything go to waste.

Following Zack’s plan, Cid gave himself the excuse not to talk by finishing his own dinner. He glanced up at Vincent a few times when he was sure neither was looking, satisfied that the ebony-haired professor hadn’t shot him another one of those smiles like in the cafe.

When Zack was done, he sat back and patted his belly. “Good eats, Vincent.”

“Thank you,” was the simple reply as Vincent stood to take their plates.

Cid nodded, not really wanting to speak his approval. He didn’t need to give Vincent any more reasons to set his attention on him.

Shifting in his seat, Cid shot a glance toward the kitchen. Vincent wasn’t in sight and possibly not in hearing range, so he leaned over toward Zack a little. “So… are we gonna leave soon or somethin’? Somethin’ about this place doesn’t sit right with me, if ya get my point.” He actually meant the owner of the place, but he wasn’t about to admit that out loud.

Zack just chuckled a little. “Aw, still afraid there might be a ghost?”

Cid narrowed his eyes. “No. I just spend every day with this guy an’ I don’t wanna be around him more than I need to be. Definitely don’t need him findin’ shit to give me a hard time over or lower my grade or some shit like that.”

Zack smirked. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

“How the hell should I know? Maybe the fact that I go around breakin’ into houses lookin’ for ghosts that aren’t there?”

Zack shrugged off his amusement. “Just asking.”

“Whatever.” Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Cid stood and looked down at Zack. “Ya comin’ or ya gonna sit around here all night? Not sure if he likes company all that much at home.”

Vincent chose that moment to emerge from the kitchen. “Oh, are you leaving?”

Cid whirled around, a little surprised by the other’s appearance. “I, uh, I dunno about Zack, but I kinda need to get goin’. I didn’t really sleep good last night an’, uh, yeah.” He shot his glance toward the floor. “Thanks for supper an’ all. Didn’t really have to do that.”

Vincent nodded once, slowly. “I enjoyed it.”

Zack rolled his eyes. “Okay fine, I guess I better go with him. He might get lost on the way.”

“I would not!” Cid hissed as a retort, trying not to turn and full-out glare at Zack. He nodded slightly, directing it toward Vincent. “Anyway, thanks for the meal. Guess I’ll see ya Monday then.”

“Yes, Monday. Prepared to discuss the short story,” Vincent said knowingly, well aware that Cid probably hadn’t finished it yet.

Unable to hold back a twinge at the comment, Cid nodded. “Will do,” he said softly, just wanting free from Vincent’s eyes. They unnerved him far more than he liked to admit.

Vincent gazed at them calmly, watching Cid mostly. Zack started heading for the doorway, and Vincent followed him. “I’ll walk you out,” he said, again like it was an afterthought.

Cid fell in line behind the professor, keeping his eyes glued to the floor and occasionally the other’s shoes as they flashed into his vision. He was glad they were leaving, but he didn’t like being behind Vincent. Shaking his head, he told himself he was being ridiculous and brought this gaze back up, only to have it settle on the natural sway the professor’s hips seemed to have as he walked.

It was a long walk to the front door of the mansion too. Vincent occasionally flipped some hair away from his face so he could see, and Zack was just preoccupied with looking around the giant house.

Cid, unfortunately, was trapped as his eyes kept watching the graceful movement from one side to the other, long strands of ebony flashing with each step. He tried to think of something else, but his mind seemed to be stuck on insisting he liked watching the professor walk.

When they reached the large front door, Vincent slowly opened one side of it. “Thank you for staying with me,” he said, watching Zack walk outside. “Don’t think about breaking into my house again.”

He heard the words, but Cid didn’t connect them with what was going on. Before he could do so, he ran right into Vincent’s back, his nose only barely clearing the narrow shoulder he was looking over. He froze instantly, almost afraid to move in case it would get him into even more problems.

Instinctively, Vincent stepped away, turning to look at Cid. The blond’s mouth gaped open slightly as he tried to gain control of the situation and make it seem better than it was. But all Cid could manage was a whispered, “Sorry,” and a faint flush of embarrassment scrawled across his face. He had heard of getting up-close-and-personal with one’s teachers, but he considered that to be a little too far over the line, especially for him.

“It’s alright,” Vincent said. Zack held in a giggle.

Shooting a dirty look at Zack, Cid moved past the professor and on down the front steps. He made sure to give Zack a good nudge in the side as he passed, half to get back at him for laughing and half to get him not to start staring at Vincent. “All right. I guess I’ll be seein’ ya later then,” he called back over his shoulder to their temporary host. “Thanks for dinner an’ all that…”

“Duly noted,” Vincent said, not elaborating. “And Cid?”

“Huh?” The blond turned on his heel, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Please read that story,” he said, putting his hands in his pockets. His tone wasn’t commanding or authoritative, just requesting. “I really think you’ll enjoy it.”

Cid nodded, glancing toward the ground. “I, uh, I started it the other night.”

The barest hint of a smile formed on Vincent’s lips. “Good.”

Looking up again, Cid caught the little smile, a reminder of the one he had seen in the cafe. He quickly looked away before he also remembered how drawn he was to that smile, his eyes landing on Zack instead. “Zack, c’mon,” he mumbled, reaching out to grasp the other’s arm and tugging. “Ya can’t stay on his doorstep all night.”

Zack chuckled knowingly. “Uh huh. Sure. See ya, Vincent,” he said as he waved, allowing Cid to pull him along.

Vincent lifted one eyebrow a little, shaking his head slightly as he turned to close the door, disappearing into the dark mansion.

Once they were out of sight of the huge building and its owner, Cid let go of Zack’s arm. “Ya probably woulda stayed there the whole night if I’d let ya, huh?” he asked with a little bit of a dull tone to his voice.

Zack chuckled again. “You sure you’re not speaking for yourself?”

Cid stopped abruptly and turned to face Zack. “Where’d ya get some stupid idea like that? Why the fuck would I wanna stay on that guy’s doorstep? He’d probably attack me in the middle of the night or somethin’ for a late-night snack!”
Zack laughed out loud at that. “He’s not a vampire, dude! Besides, I have a man already,” Zack said with a wink, turning to walk ahead of Cid.

He gaped. “Wh-what would I want with a man? I figured out he didn’t have boobs the first day of class, so there!” Cid let out a loud huff and moved to catch up with his housemate. “I’m not like you, if ya remember.”

“Sure,” Zack said, continuing to walk. “I remember. Ladies’ man.”

Cid narrowed his eyes as he watched Zack. “An’ ya better remember it. I ain’t about to go out an’ hook up with some dude, so forget it.” He waved a hand in emphasis, nearly hitting the other in the shoulder.

“Right. I’ll remember,” Zack said, trying to sound serious.

The blond’s nose crinkled slightly at Zack’s statement, proof he didn’t believe the darker-haired boy very much. He said nothing else though, somehow sensing it would be pointless to argue with Zack about that sort of subject.

They walked back to their apartment, Zack with his hands in his pockets. Cid made sure to stay a little behind Zack the entire time. He wasn’t sure why, but something about the look on his rommate’s face and his tone of voice made the blond feel incredibly awkward. Not to mention he was fairly sure it had something to do directly with him. He relaxed considerably though when their apartment came into view.

Zack grinned when he saw Reno’s car parked outside their building. “Awesome.”

Cid, however, saw the car and felt his mood sink to the ground. Not only would he have to deal with Zack’s smug little grin he had been harboring ever since dinner, but now he had to deal with the guy’s boyfriend too. “What a great night this is turnin’ out to be,” he grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Zack heard him, but ignored him in favor of jogging up to their door and pushing it open. “Reno?” he called, stepping inside.

A red head popped up from behind the couch, green eyes bright. “Hey, babe! Was wondering when you’d get back. Where’d you go, anyway?”

Zack grinned, moving over to plop himself down on top of Reno. He leaned over to give him a brief kiss before speaking. “We went to check out the haunted mansion. We saw the Prince!”

Cid rolled his eyes again as he caught the end of the exchange. Preferring to sit outside rather than deal with them right now, he settled himself down on the steps and pulled out a cigarette, happily puffing away once he fumbled a lighter out and got it lit.

Reno grinned back, aware of the joke behind everything, and shifted his weight so Zack was flopped on him more comfortably. “You saw him? No shit! What’d he look like? Good as they all say?” he asked, chuckling.

Zack grinned, speaking up so Cid could hear him. “He was fucking dreamy.”

At that, Reno laughed and ruffled Zack’s hair. “That’s whatcha always say.”

Giving a nearly disgusted groan, Cid spoke up. “He was not! Told ya to get over yourself, Zack!”

Zack looked up at the open door. “Who said I wasn’t over myself?” he repeated, still grinning.

Cid shook his head. “No one had to. It’s so sickeningly obvious!”

Zack chuckled, unfazed, and turned back to Reno, speaking lowly so Cid could no longer hear him. “He’s just bitter because he was checking out Vincent’s ass.”

Reno raised a brow. “Really… Thought he was supposed to be straight or something like that.”

“I told you before,” Zack started, grinning more. “He set my gaydar on fire. Tonight he proved I was right. I wanna hook him up.”

“Hook him up, huh?” Reno’s eyes flashed, showing he was interested in Zack’s little idea. “With who? Got someone in mind or ya just gonna go lookin’ some night?”

Zack grinned mischievously. “I got someone in mind.”